Teaching GCSEs early risks turning schools into ‘exam factories’, education secretary warns
Summary
England’s education secretary, Lucy Powell, plans to discourage secondary schools from teaching GCSE material to large groups of pupils before year 10. The government says it will reduce GCSE content and include guidance in a national curriculum overhaul due in early 2027, aiming to give pupils more time to learn core ideas and broader subjects.Key Facts
- Many secondary schools in England begin teaching GCSE-level material in year 9 or earlier to spread course content over more time.
- Powell wants GCSE courses to fit within the official two-year period in years 10 and 11.
- The Department for Education says the proposed guidance will advise schools not to start GCSE specifications early for large groups or routinely narrow pupils’ options early.
- The proposed policy will not be compulsory, and schools can still teach younger pupils GCSE material if they judge they can manage it.
- The curriculum overhaul is due to be published in early 2027.
- The government says the reforms aim to address school disengagement, persistent absence, and gaps between pupils from richer and poorer backgrounds.
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